The Best County Fair in the County

On a friend's recommendation, I went to the Montgomery County Fair with the Monkey today. Who knew there was so much agriculture in Montgomery County? Granted, the prize-winning vegetables did not immediately impress. But the sheer tonnage of livestock -- dairy cows, beef cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, pigs, horses and ponies -- was genuine.

The Monkey no longer needs to take my word for it that cows moo, goats baah, and roosters cock-a-doodle-doo. He's seen all these animals before -- at Drumlin Farm in Massachusetts, and at the National Zoo -- but he's never heard them quite so vocal.

There were some antique tractors and pump engines, and a highly stimulating midway. (I did not lot the Monkey fall victim to any carney barkers.)

It was a great afternoon, and the Monkey took it all in. Part of me is just glad that his "range" is up to 4 hours: he can go out for that long and still have a rewarding, positive experience.